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Sightseeing: Yes, you can always see Shamu's cousin at the Miami Seaquarium ($26 adults, $21 children aged three to nine; 305-361-5705, www.miamiseaquarium.com), but for a more offbeat look at the city, the Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem Bus Tour ($37, 305-375-1621) is the way to go. Visit the sites of mob hits and more (including the death of famed designer Gianni Versace) on this fascinating three-hour tour conducted by noted historian, Dr. Paul George.

If you're on the beachas in South Beachbut aren't into the sun or lack thereof, the Miami Design Preservation League (1001 Ocean Drive, 305-531-3484) offers a self-guided audio tour of the Art Deco district for just $15 a person. For an absolutely stunning view of Miami's flora and fauna, visit the Fairchild Tropical Garden (10901 Old Cutler Road; 305-361-1651, www.ftg.org), an 83-acre garden of rare and exotic plants, tropical fruits, 11 lakes, palmettos, palm glades, and over 100 species of birds. There's a daily 30-minute narrated tram tour and admission is only $15 and includes the tour.

Places to Eat: Greasy spoons are few and far between in this town, but for the best breakfasts, Balan's (1022 Lincoln Road, 305-534-9191) and Front Porch Café (1418 Ocean Drive, 305-531-8300) are two of South Beach's most popular morning spots. Same goes for lunch. For Cuban food at any time of day or night, Versailles (3555 SW 8th Street, 305-444-7501) is a Little Havana landmarkand don't forget to take a few shots of Cuban coffee so you can make it through the night (life). Because dinner is a branch of Miami nightlife, restaurant recommendations also easily shift into the places to party. Read on...

Published: 5 Apr 2005 | Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010 Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication